Mark, left, and Cindy, center, Hill are presented a check by a Missouri Lottery official during the announcement of Powerball winners in Dearborn, Mo. / Orlin Wagner, AP

by By Jonathan Shorman, The Springfield (Mo.) News-Leader

by By Jonathan Shorman, The Springfield (Mo.) News-Leader

DEARBORN, MO. - Mark and Cindy Hill put this tiny, rural agricultural town on the map when word spread that they would be splitting Powerball's record $578.5 million jackpot.

The Hills' name began circulating among the local population of about 500 Thursday, soon after lottery officials said a winning ticket had been sold at a Trex Mart gas station and convenience store on the edge of town. By Friday, they had become something of an international media sensation.

"This has been and will be the topic of discussion for a good while,'' says next door neighbor Louis Buntin. The Hills, Buntin, says, are well liked and respected in the community, but likely "will be teased" around town for their good fortune.

The Hills are splitting their winnings with an as-yet unidentified Arizona ticket holder. Cindy - a laid off office manager, and Mark, a mechanic at a meat processing plant - are taking their share in a lump sum lottery officials say is worth about $136.5 million after taxes.

Located about 40 miles north of Kansas City, Deaborn is named after Revolutionay War general Henry Dearborn. It's a place where "we all know each other,'' Buntin says.

Retiree Marilyn Troutman, who has lived in town for 47 years, says "most everybody knows everybody" in Dearborn. Son David, grew up and went to school with Mark Hill. Both involved in Future Farmers of America and still keep in touch, with Mark often posting small-town news or a funny comic on Facebook.

Dearborn has come alive since Thursday. "The town is full of press," David Troutman says. His life has also been whirlwind. Friday morning, he appeared on NBC's TODAY show and has been approached by numerous media outlets.

Troutman and her husband, Fred, purchase a lottery ticket regularly, and Fred stays up to watch the news to see the lucky numbers. This week, they bought a ticket at the same convenience store as Cindy Hill.

Harold Webb, a retired farmer who lives near the Hills, says Dearborn has experienced little growth the past few years. There used to be more business, with a hardware store, a lumber store and a grocer. He also said there are no local doctors and thought the closest hospital is in St. Joseph.

The "mom and pap" stores left, he said.

Webb, who has been in the area since 1950, says the Hills winning the Powerball jackpot is the biggest local event he can recall.

"I can't think of anything (bigger) actually,'' Webb says. "Jesse James probably was here a few times." Webb said. The notorious 19th century outlaw has a museum in nearby St. Joseph.

Cindy Hill said the family plans to stay Dearborn and will not change their lifestyle much. They'll still go to the corner cafe for breakfast and fish day and shop at the same stores.

"We're normal human beings," she said. "We just have a little bit more money."